May 19 2009
Contest Entry: Call It Courage
Review by Tania P., Age 13
I relate to this book because I was adopted to a family, and I was afraid of everything. Like in Call It Courage, Armstrong Sperry said that Mafatu was afraid of everything ,which some times I am too. Although I was afraid, I had to go through things that I was afraid of, as it says in the book about Mafatu. Truly, I learn a lot of really good things in life. Learning in life is very important, if we don’t learn to go through what we are afraid of, we will never learn. Do you think if you don’t go through things that you’re afraid of, it’s going to help you in life? I don’t think I will learn then.
In the book Call It Courage, Armstrong Sperry has a main character “Mafatu”, the Boy Who Was Afraid. Since Mafatu was born he was afraid of everything, because his mother died during the storm. Mafatu’s family decides that he should go to face his fears on his own. Bravely that night he left on his journey, while everyone was asleep. Going on his journey, he was able to face his fears, because he experienced them on his journey. I think that he made a very challenging choice to go on his journey.
I enjoyed the book because it was an interesting and inspiring story about Mafatu. In the book, Armstrong Sperry said that Mafatu would be back with hear his father say: “Her is my son Stout Heart. A brave name for a brave boy.” In the book I like how the author described Mafatu and his character; Mafatu persevered through immense struggles with fear, to finally prove to himself and to others his true strength and courage. Encouragingly speaking to him, the people of Hikueru inspired him while filling him with confidence. I think during Mafatu’s time, people should’ve not believed in other god’s, because their live would be much easier such as more loving, less fearful, and not needing to prove false god’s. Hoping to survive, Mafatu fervently prayed to the fish god to help him escape from the cannibals, Surprised to find himself in his homeland, Mafatu who was just as awed as the crowd that was assembled on the beach to receive him was joyful thought that this reunion with his father was the most joyful moment of the book.
In the book Call It Courage, Armstrong Sperry wrote of a boy whose life was governed by fear. The whole story is about Mafatu’s journey to overcome his fear. In the end, Mafatu not only conquered his fears, but his father also came to see the great bravery within his beloved son.
Rachel’s Note: Tania has done a great job of relating Mafatu’s story of courage and perseverance to her own life. I enjoyed this review because of its very personal tone. It really shows how writers can use fiction to encourage and strengthen their readers in real life.
